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A stunningly beautiful waltz that will make your beginning orchestra sound advanced for their age level. Based on the D-major scale with a beautiful ostinato bass line, this original fiddle waltz from Fiddlers Philharmonic has been arranged for very beginning strings by the composer. A great introduction to easy slurs and simple eighth notes

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

Originally the pentatonic air “I fee’d a lad at Michaelmas,” Auld Lang Syne, a folk song from Scotland, is a favourite for ringing in the New Year. Recognized around the world, this well-loved folk song is set in a rich and full-sounding arrangement that includes fun sound effects and a highly playable feel. Duration: 2:05

The instantly identifiable theme from the third concerto of Vivaldi’s ground- breaking Opus 8 is a natural for less experienced players. Written to celebrate the joys of harvest, the festive mood created by the composer is undiminished in this arrangement that gives directors the opportunity to share a portion of a classic masterwork with their young students. The optional piano or harpsichord accompaniment adds just the right amount of Baroque colour for an authentic performance sound.

Avalanche is an expressive and energetic original composition for beginning orchestra that is also a wonderful teaching piece for bow distribution, lifts, retakes, and string crossing. The ‘avalanche’ motives feature descending octave leaps and descending scale patterns that make string crossings accessible to beginners. Violins and violas make frequent use of the 4th finger. The piece is a great introduction to B-flat, C and F naturals to modulate from D major to D minor. All parts are playable in first position (some half position for bass), and there are no cello extensions or high 3rd fingers for violin or viola.

Be Thou My Vision. Highly recommended! American Grade 1+. Keys: C, G Standard Strings with optional piano.

There’s fun from start to finish in this lively fiddle tune for strings. With all sorts of surprises - bow taps, a pitch slide, and a final foot stomp - students will enjoy practicing this tune and the audience will be on their feet! Shuffle rhythms, simple slurs, accents and pizzicatos will provide plenty of teaching material for grade 1+ groups. Duration 2:00.

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano. Great fun!

Students will love playing this grade 1+ arrangement of the African song Mba Mon. Written for the beginning level string orchestra with an optional percussion part, it’s an excellent piece to teach dynamic contrasts, short bow strokes, and tempo changes. To assist young groups, an optional piano part is included along with 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part. Duration 2:00.

Treat your string students to a piece of American history! With a number of great teaching opportunities including accents, slurs, dotted rhythms and a wide variety of dynamics, this piece is a wonderful vehicle for teaching your orchestra the importance of balance and a great introduction to the E string for your first violinists. Duration: 2:00

This familiar folk song from Mexico, arranged for beginning String Orchestra, is a perfect work to introduce multicultural music in the instrumental music curriculum.  The arrangement can be performed effectively at different tempos from mm = 90 to 120, depending upon the ability of the performers. The moderately easy piano accompaniment is optional and can be performed by a student pianist if desired. Fun to play for the students and good performance music for parents at the next concert.

As we follow the course of the Vltava River portrayed musically in The Moldau, we pass the scene of the wedding depicted in this lovely arrangement. We can watch the dance and enjoy one of the most well-known works of the 19th century. This timeless music has been crafted into an extremely playable version for your beginning string orchestra.

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano & opt. percussion

The first theme introduces Papa Bear, grumpy and waking up slowing, followed by lovabel Mama Bear as she stretches herself awake, and finally, boisterous Baby Bear appears ready to play. The bears slowly form into a circle until finally they are ready for their annual spring fling, the Dance of the Brewster Bears.

Artist Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 1, page 42

This arrangement in the original key of C major has been masterfully crafted into a grade 1+ composition that allows young string players the chance to experience the power of this great symphony. All instruments use 1st position with the exception of a few passages for bass using 1/2 position. Duration 3:25.

Beethoven that is perfect for your beginning orchestra! This lovely and fun-to-play waltz will reinforce 3/4 time and provide work with dynamics and contrasting rhythms. A highly playable arrangement sure to be successful.

This fun-filled pizzicato novelty was written especially for grade 1+ string groups. A combination of stepwise and arpeggiated passages paint a creative portrait of grasshoppers walking and hopping about. An optional piano part and 3 copies of the viola t.c. part are included in each set. Duration 2:05.

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

An energetic piece that both beginning and more advanced string players will want to play over and over, faster and faster! Based on a Ukrainian dance melody, all sections alternate leading during this arrangement. The surprising appearance of a contrasting slower section played by the lower strings will conjure delightful images of brightly costumed dancers. dURATION: 2:20

Featuring: The Wearing of the Green; I know Where I'm Going; I Wish I Had the Shepherd's Lamb. The Irish spirit is a direct reflection of the unique place on earth that is their native land. The rugged landscape speaks of staunch individualism, while the more idyllic settings suggest a deep love of nature and the beauty found in all. This suite brings together three tunes that embody these characteristics.

“Jasmine Flower” is a setting of the traditional Chinese folk song “Molihua,” likely originating in the southern China provinces. The tune is a vital part of Chinese New Year celebrations and was also featured prominently during the closing ceremonies of the 2004 Summer Olympics. The soothing pentatonic melody is reminiscent of the simple beauty of the lovely white jasmine blossom and its delightful scent. Players will encounter no technical impediments in performance, with the independent piano accompaniment and optional percussion creating the perfect musical landscape for this multicultural offering.

“Lucky 13” is designed as a beginning string work highlighting the violin use of first and third finger, while leaving the second in the air. The main tune (see bar 49) delivers this concept. The title reflects the use of fingers 1 and 3, found particularly in the rhythmic motif (see bar 67) of the piece. Students will enjoy the spirited style and rhythmic energy of this winning composition.

Artist Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 1, page 42

Tennesee Folk song in a version that features each section. Essential Elements Artist Level

This grade 1+ march-like tune is based on three major scales - D, G, and C. All sections get to play these scales in some form or another making the arrangement suitable for practice or concert performance. Each set includes an optional piano part as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part. Duration 2:20

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

This grade 1+ piece in the waltz style is sure to excite and motivate young musicians, the A minor key will be a refreshing change for young ears. Everyone shares the melody in this very playable piece that is suitable for a spring concert or festival performance. An optional piano part is included in each set. Duration 1:42.

American Grade 1.5. Delightful writing! A musical picture of the famous duck-billed mammal frolicking in its natural habitat

For centuries, mankind has been fascinated by the rings that surround the second largest planet in our solar system. This well-crafted original work musically captures the mystery and immense beauty of these magnificent celestial phenomena. Solidly scored for your young players and sure to be a favorite of students and audiences alike. American Grade 1.5

Beautiful rendion of this beloved American song. Essential Elements Artist Level

American Grade 1.5. A beautiful modal melody in 3/4 meter, this work is rhythmically simple but musically satisfying.

Based on Pop Goes the Weasel. Essential Elements Artist Level

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano & opt. percussion

This lovely Scottish folk song provides a wonderful opportunity for young string performers to learn how to play in an expressive manner. All sections get a chance to play part of the beautiful melody while the gently flowing accompaniment patterns further enhance this very musical arrangement. dURATION: 3:00

“Subterranean Dance” provides a fun-to-play, exciting tune using the low strings of each instrument – a great teaching piece! The violas and cellos will explore the bottom reaches of the C and G strings. Not to be left out, the upper strings take the melody, transposed up a fifth, on their D and G strings. Entirely in first position with easy finger patterns.

American Grade 1+ Standard Strings with opt. piano

Swinging has been a favourite pastime for children forever. Just close your eyes and remember the cool breeze in your hair as you soar through the air. Feel the soothing sense of contentment as the swing follows its rhythmic path, out and back. A great piece to teach musicianship, relating to the students' experiences in a very easy technical setting!

Most listeners, young and old, are familiar with “There Stands a Little Man in the Woods Alone,” a charming folk song quoted by Engelbert Humperdinck in his opera Hansel and Gretel. The tune is rhythmic, diatonic and unpretentious. This arrangement offers a mix of pizzicato and off the string bowing styles. Much attention is paid to the lower strings. All parts remain in first position and no extended fingerings are required. Some second position fingerings are offered in the bass part to minimize string crossing but these are optional. It is recommended that the piece be performed at a brisk cut time tempo and that all quarter notes be played off the string and at the frog. A third violin part has been included, which is actually treble clef viola. A piano part has also been included, but this should be used only in rehearsal as a support if needed, and not in performance.

This grade 1+ piece for beginning string orchestras utilizes arco and pizzicato playing. All strings are in first position throughout making it come together quickly. The catchy melody will make this piece a favourite of students and audiences alike. An optional piano part is included, as well as 3 copies of the 3rd Violin/Viola T.C. part in each set

Artist Level. Essential Elements for String Orchestra Series. Correlates with Book 1, page 42